Reid's move won't affect population strategy, premier says

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale says Ross Reid's new job as her chief of staff won't derail the government's population growth strategy unveiled in January.

Reid was appointed deputy minister responsible for the new strategy in January to much fanfare.

Dunderdale says Reid will continue to head the program, in addition to his new job as her chief of staff.

"The strategy continues — we'll move it into executive council. Population growth is extremely important to us," the premier said.

The strategy is designed to figure out a way to reverse the declining population of the province and bring more young families in.

"We're finally seeing numbers move in a positive direction, but we have a long way to go. And if we're going to prosper as a province, our birth rate has to go up, we have to do more immigration," Dunderdale said.

According to the premier, the province's current population pattern is far from ideal.

"In terms of demographics, the profile is almost completely opposite of what it ought to be. We have an aging population — they need to be supported by young people, young families, and young people in the workforce. That's not what's happening in the province at the moment."

Dunderdale said Reid won't be able to devote as much time to the strategy once he takes up his new position, but she said other staff will continue working on the project.

"We're constantly looking for new blood, fresh ideas — we do a lot of mentoring — and so there are a lot of people that will come now to complement the efforts that he's put into that strategy so far," Dunderdale said.